Frank Arthur

Harold Frank Milton Arthur (born 12 December 1908 in Lismore, New South Wales - died 11 September 1972 in Sydney)[1] was a former international motorcycle speedway rider who won the first Star Riders' Championship the forerunner of the Speedway World Championship, in 1929.[2][3]

Career

Arthur was one of the pioneers of speedway in the UK. He brought Max Grosskreutz over from Australia in 1929 and supplied Dicky Case and Ray Tauser with machines and support for fifty percent of their earnings.

Arthur rode for the Harringay Racers in 1929 and then Stamford Bridge Pensioners from 1930 until their closure in 1932. He returned to the UK in 1934 to ride again for the Harringay Racers.[3] He also represented Australia in test matches against England from 1930 to 1934.[4]

In Australia, Arthur promoted at Sydney Royale before losing the lease in 1938. He solved this problem by building the speedway track at the Sydney Sports Ground next door.

Frank Arthur died of a heart attack in Sydney on 11 September 1972.

References

  1. ^ Biography of Frank Arthur
  2. ^ Jacobs, Norman (2001). Speedway in London. Stroud: Tempus Publishing ISBN 0-7524-2221-9
  3. ^ a b Bamford, R. & Stallworthy, D. (2003) Speedway - The Pre War Years, Stroud: Tempus Publishing. ISBN 0-7524-2749-0
  4. ^ Foster, P. (2005) History of the Speedway Ashes, The History Press Ltd. ISBN 0-7524-3468-3